Thorens TD 204 Review
Thorens aims to provide a straightforward yet high-quality turntable with the TD 204. Although it might look minimalist at first glance, the company has actually developed a new tonearm for this model. Conveniently, it also includes its own built-in phono preamp.
by Matthias Böde
When it comes to turntables, the main question is often whether to prioritize convenience or sound quality. Most specialized manufacturers—especially on a limited budget—opt to focus on sound. That’s a good thing, because the few simple steps involved in operating a turntable are quickly learned. Plus, handling the record, tonearm, and cue lever can actually be a lot of fun!
The same principle applies to Thorens’ new TD 204. It’s positioned above the versatile TD 202 and, like that model, has a built-in phono preamp that can be switched on or off as needed.
PHASE SELECTION: The correct orientation of the plug-in power supply—marked in red above—is important. Plugging it in the other way can make the sound feel a bit compressed and restrained.
That said, the TD 204 caters to a slightly different audience and omits the USB interface included on the roughly cheaper TD 202 (which allows digitizing the music signal). Thanks to rubber feet with a chrome groove, it effectively absorbs surface vibrations (though the feet aren’t height-adjustable). The high-gloss black or high-gloss walnut plinth is the same size as on the TD 202, yet it appears more mature at a glance.
- 7Review earns Amazon affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
One clear sign that the TD 204 is in a higher league is the newly developed TP 120 tonearm with its J-shaped aluminum tube. Anyone familiar with analog heritage will recognize it as a visual nod to classic EMT arms that once graced Thorens’ top-tier models.
Thorens uses a similar tonearm design on some of its higher-grade turntables, now based in Bergisch Gladbach. On those, anti-skating—used to counteract the inward pull on the cartridge—is applied through small weights. On the TD 204, it’s managed by a spring mechanism connected to a small wheel on the tonearm base.
A small spring (arrow) and a bracket transmit the force needed to counteract tracking errors (anti-skating) to the tonearm.
Despite its mid-range price, the TP 120 has exceptionally smooth, high-quality bearings that run without noticeable play. Its clearly visible, finely scaled counterweight accommodates most cartridges that can be fitted on the detachable headshell. That’s very practical, because it lets you switch cartridges quickly.
If you want, you can buy additional headshells (about $53 each) and set them up with different cartridges—perhaps for specific musical styles—and simply swap them in. You’d only need to recheck and adjust the tracking force.
A tonearm that really works
Keep in mind that all your cartridges should have a similar installation height, as there’s no vertical adjustment on the tonearm. For very flat Rega MMs or popular MC cartridges like the Denon DL-103, suitable spacers are available. In general, the TP 120’s effective mass of about 15 grams, including its sturdy aluminum die-cast headshell, matches well with most cartridges on the market.
The tiny slider beside the RCA outputs activates the phono amp.
TEST DEVICES
- Turntables: Cambridge Audio Alva ST, Pro-Ject X1, Sonoro Platinum SE
- Cartridges: Audio-Technica VM530EN and VM540ML, Ortofon 2M Red, 2M Blue, and Concorde Elite
- Phono Preamps: Musical Fidelity MX-VNYL, Nagra Classic Phono
- Integrated Amplifier: Symphonie Line RG14 Edition MK5S
- Speakers: DALI Epicon 6, Martin Logan Motion 60 XTi
- Phono Cable: Silent Wire NF5 Phono
PROTECTION: The TD 204 comes with a dust cover that attaches to hinges on the back of the unit.
LAB CHECK: The pre-installed MM cartridge showed a slight roll-off in the high frequencies but excellent channel balance.
A high-gloss walnut version of the TD 204 is also available.
VERY PRECISE: The included alignment template makes it simple to install a different cartridge.
Out of the box, the TD 204 comes with Audio-Technica’s standard MM AT95E (elliptical stylus). Although now officially discontinued, it’s still regarded as an excellent choice. Priced at around $44, it offers great sound quality, tracking performance, and reliability for the money. Of course, you can always upgrade later if you wish.
If you plan to use the built-in phono preamp—activated by a tiny switch on the back of the TD 204—you’ll need an MM cartridge like the AT95E that’s already installed. This feature isn’t just for those whose amplifiers lack a proper phono input. In fact, you might discover your amplifier’s built-in phono stage sounds less lively compared to the TD 204’s internal preamp, which is surprisingly open, cohesive, and energetic. This advantage could partly stem from the very short signal path the delicate phono signals take before reaching the preamp, minimizing any signal loss.
This is how we performed most of our extended listening, and it became clear very quickly that the new Thorens can keep up with many top contenders in its price range. It’s quite impressive how expansive, elegant, and agile the big-band track “Receipt, Please” from Ron Carter’s soundtrack “Finding The Right Notes” sounded, especially considering we were only using the modest AT95E. It tackled more complex sections with ease and delivered a robust bass presence on James Taylor’s lush “Her Town Too.”
An excellent foundation with room to grow
Armed with this setup, the TD 204 had no trouble matching—sometimes even surpassing—its direct rivals, most of which also feature integrated phono stages. Though the cast-aluminum platter weighs less than 650 grams, it’s damped internally by a rubber ring and topped with a thick mat. As a result, the piano in “Les Adieux” by the Sebastian Sternal Trio stayed neatly anchored in the soundstage, while the subtle hi-hat shimmered delicately in the background, and piano plus acoustic bass took center stage.
The included cartridge already delivers a cohesive and convincing performance, but experimenting with higher-quality MM cartridges quickly shows how much more the TD 204 can achieve. For example, switching to an Audio-Technica VM540ML or an Ortofon 2M Blue (around $295/$275) yielded finer details and a smoother sound. Harshness in older pop recordings was reduced, string sections were more naturally spaced, and the highest frequencies came through with a softer, more refined touch.
Thorens refers to their new model as a “turntable with sonic upgrade potential for budding audiophiles.” This definitely rings true and includes swapping out the basic phono cable if you desire further improvements. The TD 204’s strong fundamentals make it a highly recommended choice for anyone diving deeper into analog audio. There’s more potential here than you might suspect at first glance.
Measurement Results
Thorens TD 204 Specs
Available in high-gloss black or high-gloss walnut
Dimensions: 42 x 15 x 36 cm (W x H x D)
Warranty: 2 years
Contact: Thorens
www.thorens.com
Measurement Data
- Speed Deviation (Soll-Drehzahl): +0.25%
- Output Voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec, passive/active): 3.4 / 248 mV
- Tracking Force (Auflagekraft): 19 mN
Lab Comment
The target speed is maintained quite precisely. Despite the relatively light platter, the Thorens performs the wow and flutter test without any noticeable issues. The very low rumble—especially when measured with the test coupler—further highlights the quality of the platter bearing.
Features
- External power supply
- Built-in, switchable phono preamp for MM cartridges
- Dust cover
- Interchangeable headshell
- German user manual
Verdict
This turntable emphasizes the details that matter most for a rewarding musical experience. Its smooth, precision-crafted tonearm makes a strong impression and, along with the built-in MM phono preamp, accommodates even higher-quality cartridges. Expect a clean, organized sound with a spacious character, clearly noticeable right away with the supplied cartridge—underscoring its audiophile ambitions. But the TD 204 still has more to give!
- Sound Level: 60% (≈ 6/10 on a 10‑point scale)
- Price/Performance: 4 out of 5 stars (≈ 8/10), rated “Excellent”
When you purchase through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
UNBOXING Thorens TD 204
Rozbaľte svoje audiofilské sny s Thorens TD 204: Manuálny gramofón, ktorý zaujme oči aj uši. TD 204 nie je len základnou ...
Founded in July 2014, 7Review is a free audio resource for beginners, and we're dedicated to helping you create the ultimate movie-watching experience right at home. We pull insights from top audio magazines and trusted industry sources to bring you well-researched, reliable reviews and tips. Whether you're a home cinema pro or just starting out, we aim to give you the info you need to make the best choices for your setup.
